Ethiopian Instrumental Classical Music
Contents
Looking for some Ethiopian Instrumental Classical Music to help you relax or set the mood? Check out our top picks – from traditional to modern, there’s something for everyone!
Introduction
Ethiopian instrumental music has its roots in the ancient and medieval Ethiopian Orthodox church music. The music is characterized by complex rhythm and intricate melodies.
The temesghen and krar are two of the most popular instruments used in Ethiopian instrumental music. The temesghen is a six-stringed lute-like instrument, while the krar is a five or six-stringed lyre. Other instruments used in Ethiopian instrumental music include the washint, a flute-like instrument, and the masenko, a drum.
Ethiopian instrumental music is often played at religious ceremonies and festivals. It is also sometimes played at weddings and other special occasions.
The Music of Ethiopia
Ethiopian music is very unique and has a very distinct sound. The music is mostly vocal with a few exceptions. Ethiopia has a lot of different musical styles, but the most popular style is instrumental classical music. This type of music is often played on the krar, a five or six-stringed lyre.
Traditional Music
Ethiopia is a country with a very long and rich musical tradition. In the highlands, traditional music is mostly vocal and consists of simple melodies accompanied by lyrics. The phrasing is often based on Ethiopian scales and often includes improvised sections. In the more populated lowlands, the music is more diverse and includes a variety of instruments, such as the krar (a five- or six-stringed lyre), masenko (a one-stringed fiddle), washint (a flute), begena (a large ten-stringed lyre) and bongo (drums).
One of the most popular genres of music in Ethiopia is instrumental classical music, which dates back to the 18th century. This music was originally performed by court musicians for the Ethiopian emperor at royal ceremonies and dinners. Over time, it has evolved into a more public form of music and is now often performed at weddings, funerals and other special occasions.
The Origins of Ethiopian Music
Ethiopian music is a total musical art involving singing,harmony,rhythm,instrumentation and dance.It is believed to have been derived from three basic sources:the semitic,the Cushitic and the Nilotic.Of these the Semitic presented the longest and most continuous development .Semitic music probably came to Ethiopia with settlers from south Arabia who established the kingdom of Axum in the first millennium B.C.The sounds and styles of Semitic music must have differed considerably from those of early Cushitic and Nilotic music.
Cushitic; music was probably introduced into Ethiopia by people from Somalia and other parts of northeast Africa .Nilotic music may have come with people from Sudan in the west or possibly earlierwith those who brought agriculture to Ethiopia some 5,000 years ago..
In addition to these three main sources there has been a considerable infusion of Arabian(especially Persian)and Indian influences into Ethiopian music over the centuries
The Instruments of Ethiopian Music
The music of Ethiopia is extremely diverse, with a unique mix of influences from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Traditional Ethiopian music is played on a variety of instruments, all of which have been adapted to the country’s climate and culture.
The masenqo is a one-stringed fiddle that is commonly used in Ethiopian music. It is believed to have originated in Persia, and it was brought to Ethiopia by the Arabian nomads who settled in the country centuries ago. The instrument is typically decorated with colorful beads and cowrie shells, and it is played with a bow made from horsehair.
The krar is a six-stringed lyre that is also commonly used in Ethiopian music. It originated in the Nile Valley, and it was brought to Ethiopia by the Nubian people who settled in the country centuries ago. The krar has a round body that is typically made from gourd or wood, and its strings are tuned to create different pitches. The instrument is usually played with one hand while the other hand beats out a rhythm on the body of the krar.
The washint is a flute that is commonly used in Ethiopian music. It originated in Africa, and it was brought to Ethiopia by the Cushitic people who settled in the country centuries ago. The washint has a long, narrow body that is made from wood or reed, and it has six holes that are used to create different pitches. The instrument is usually played with one hand while the other hand beats out a rhythm on the body of the washint
Instrumental Classical Music
Ethiopian instrumental music consists of a wide variety of traditional string, wind, and percussion instruments. The music has been influenced by the region’s cultural heritage as well as that of its neighbors.
The instruments used in Ethiopian instrumental music include:
-The krar, a six-stringed lyre-like instrument. It is usually accompanied by the washint, a flute made from a reed.
-The masenko, a one-stringed fiddle played with a bow.
-The begena, a ten-stringed lyre played with the fingers.
-The timqo, a type of lute with two strings.
-The bass kabbashingo, a four stringed double bass lute.
The Origins of Ethiopian Instrumental Classical Music
Ethiopian instrumental music (Amharic: የኢትዮጵያ አይነት የሙዚቃ ምሽት; yä’Ityoṗṗya aynäṭ ye’musiḥḥat) is variously believed to have originated in the 4th century BC. Ethiopian music uses a distinctive modal system that is pentatonic, with characteristically long intervals between some notes. As with many other aspects of Ethiopian culture and tradition, music has been opium…
The Instruments of Ethiopian Instrumental Classical Music
The instruments of Ethiopian music can be divided into four categories: strings, woodwinds, percussion, and evolving instruments. The first three categories are found in other types of music as well, but the last one is unique to Ethiopia.
The string family includes the masenko, a one-stringed fiddle played with a bow; the krar, a five or six-stringed lyre; the begena, a ten-stringed lyre; and the washint, a flute made from bamboo. The woodwind family consists of the mizmar (a type of oboe) and the ney (an end-blown flute).
The percussion family includes the kebero (a type of drum), the bassqaqir (a double-headed drum), and the timkar (a metal drum). The last category is composed of instruments that are unique to Ethiopia or that have evolved there over time. These include the melka (a wooden horn), the shambero (a rattle made from gourds), and the askul (a type of xylophone).
Conclusion
Ethiopian instrumental classical music is a genre of music that is commonly enjoyed by Ethiopian people. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, as well as its melodic and often complex sound. While it may not be as well-known as other genres of music, it is still an important part of Ethiopian culture.
